News Release – Jones – Questions the Premier on Mental Health Supports

(Queen’s Park) – Today, Sylvia Jones, MPP led off question period by questioning the Premier on not providing the necessary resources to frontline police officers to deal with the mental crisis across Ontario.

“In 2015, London Police Service revealed that mental health calls accounted for 15% of their entire budget. Windsor police report they respond to eight mental health crisis calls a day. This is a common story in our cities and towns across Ontario,” said Jones

“Ontario’s police have become the de facto front-line mental health workers, but they don’t have the necessary resources,” said Jones.

“Why does this government fail to provide police with the means necessary to deal with mental health issues in our communities?” asked Jones.

“The Liberals are also underfunding our court system. It’s another slap in the face to police officers and the justice system. It means more stayed cases, and more dangerous criminals free to roam our streets,” said Jones.

“Since the landmark Supreme Court Jordan decision, more than 200 criminal cases have been tossed out across Canada. Earlier this year, it’s been reported that over 70 have occurred here in Ontario,” said Jones.

“It’s completely unacceptable that charged criminals are walking free. We need individuals who have been charged to actually go through the justice system,” said Jones.

“Can the Liberals explain to the police here today why they’ve underfunded our court system?” asked Jones.